Let’s do a quick history lesson before diving into the life and activities that fill the Rogue Valley during Oregon Wine Month. In 1852, a Swiss immigrant, Peter Britt, or better known as, “the father of fruit in southern Oregon,” planted the very first winery in the Northwest. Valley View Winery in Jacksonville, would open its doors officially in 1972 then just 20 years later, the Rogue Valley AVA would be established. In January 2012, Gov. John Kitzhaber proclaimed May Oregon Wine Month, reviving a tradition that had been dormant for more than two decades.
Now in 2024, southern Oregon wine country has 5,360 acres of vineyards, 180 vineyards, 85+ tasting rooms and over 70 varietals grown. The wine region is located on the same latitude as France, Spain, and Italy, and earning the honors of being named a, “Top 10 Global Wine Destination,” by Forbes and Wine Enthusiast.
Let’s dive into how to celebrate this special month in our beautiful state. Here is a full listing of events happening at nearby wineries in the month of May.
May 2 - Thursday Dinner at Dos Mariposas Vineyard
Join us for Thursday Night Dinner on Thursday, 5/2/24, starting at 5:30pm. Catering this week is by Dancing Cats and features New York Italian sausage or chicken penne pasta in vodka cream sauce, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and berry crisp for dessert! $15/person.
May 3 - Dinner & Comedy at Belle Fiore Winery
Join us for a three-course meal curated by Executive Chef, Jeff Hunt, and a comedy show! $79/person Includes: salad, choice of entrée, dessert & gratuity. Featuring Comedian, Carl Lee and Special Guest, Nick Meier.
May 4 - Roam the Rogue
Roam the Rogue is the perfect way to experience the Upper Rogue region of our valley. Wine’d through the beautiful and scenic Upper Rogue in this self-guided tour from 11-5pm on Saturday and savor 2 wines and 2 deliciously paired appetizers at all 6 participating wineries.
May 6 - Happy Hour at Dos Mariposas Vineyard
Happy hour specials all day Monday, every Monday. $2 off a glass of wine or beer with any food purchase $5 tamale plates (includes tamale, chips, guacamole, & salsa)
May 10 - Salsa Brava Season Opener
Salsa Brava is kicking off another amazing season at Edenvale, bringing new exciting tunes as well as classic favorites! Melissa McRobbie of Candela Dance Studio will lead a dance lesson from 6:30-7:00pm, then we’ll dance the night away with live music until 9:00pm!
May 12 - Mother’s Day Paint & Sip at Dos Mariposas Vineyard
Come enjoy a Mother’s Day paint and sip event! Your $50 ticket price includes all the paint, supplies and instruction needed to paint our beautiful poppies on a pre stretched & pre sketched canvas, as well as your first beverage provided by Dos Mariposas.
May 12 - Music & Mimosas at Edenvale Winery
Music & Mimosas takes place in our lovely outdoor Tasting Room, and is free to attend; live music will delight you from 11:30-1:30, with our brunch specials available until 1:00pm.
May 16 - Thursday Dinner at Dos Mariposas Vineyard
Join us for Thursday Night Dinner on Thursday, 5/16/24, starting at 5:30pm. Catering this week is by Dancing Cats and features roasted pork loin with peach cranberry chutney, rice, green salad, bread, and a chocolate brownie sundae for dessert! $15/person.
May 18 - Applegate Uncorked Barrel Tour
Spring is the perfect time to visit the 17 tasting rooms of the Applegate Valley in Rogue Valley WIne Country. Pick your starting location, and let yourself be lured from one winery to the next. Each will offer an appetizer and wine for tasting.
May 19 - WATERCOLOR & WINE AT ROXYANN!
Spend an afternoon sipping delicious, award-winning wines and painting with watercolor at one of Southern Oregon’s historic wineries.
May 23 - Sip and Paint Pottery at Naumes Suncrest Winery
Choose your favorite: stemless wine goblet, bup, cup, bowl, plate, ladle holder, mug... and we'll go on an Empowering and Fun Artistic Adventure together!
May 25 - Watercolor & Wine at Dos Mariposas Vineyard
Sip some wine, grab a paintbrush, and let your inner creativity loose! Call (541) 702-7911 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
May 31 - RV Lions Club Spring Wine Walk
Sample a wide variety of wines from local vineyards while strolling through charming Historic Downtown Central Point Businesses.
Many wineries also have live music on various nights of the week! Visit our event calendar for a full listing of happenings around Medford.
We have a program designed to reward you for visiting all the wonderful wineries southern Oregon has to offer. Our Rogue Valley Wine Passport is digital and easily downloadable. It features 25 wineries with special coupons like Buy One Get One Tastings, 20% off bottle purchases and more. Earn points when you visit each winery and earn prizes. Each passholder who collects 20 points will automatically be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. The winner will receive a 1 night stay at the hotel of their choice, dinner, and a bottle of wine! Download here.
To celebrate Oregon Wine Month, we are doing a fabulous giveaway including a 3 night stay at a Medford hotel of your choice, wine tastings, a private wine maker dinner and a basket compiled of Rogue Creamery products. Enter to win here.
